We are still in Lent, and Sunday will be celebrated in many churches across the world as Easter or Resurrection Sunday. While the timing of the observance varies, depending on the calendar used — Georgian or Julian — the resurrection of Jesus Christ remains one of the fundamental tenets of the Christian doctrine, although there are nuances across denominations pertaining to the exact day on which Christ was raised.

As predicted by Jesus himself, his death on the cross would be the most divisive and disruptive event in all of human history.

Is it still causing controversy today? Absolutely! There are interminable debates about the various interpretations of the event and challenges to its historicity and divine nature. Some sceptics argue that the resurrection did not happen and it was the disciples who removed Jesus’s body from the tomb. Some believe that it was the wrong tomb that was visited, while others argue that Jesus might have survived the crucifixion.

Additionally, many scientists and atheists cannot wrap their minds around the fact that the resurrection was a supernatural happening; thus, for them, there is no scientific evidence. Moreover, there are people who argue that the resurrection story is anchored in ancient beliefs and legends rather than a literal historical fact. From a theological perspective, some highlight the contradictions or absence of historical accuracy in the records of the synoptic Gospels.

However, there are many arguments to support the resurrection, such as the empty tomb, the disciples’ fervent belief in the event, even in the face of persecution and biblical prophecies, even by Jesus himself. Believers also know that if Christ had not risen, they have no resurrection to anticipate when they die. Also, without the resurrection of Christ, the Christian’s faith is futile, and there is no forgiveness of sins, as supported by 1 Corinthians 15:12-19.

Jesus’s resurrection also brings disruption. Disruption is common in cultures and societies and happens more frequently than is noticed. Any time the habitual way of life of a people is changed over a period of time, disruption has occurred. Take, for example, ChatGPT and other generative artificial intelligent (GenAI) platforms or social media networks. These technologies continue to revolutionise how we communicate, teach, research, and conduct business.

In fact, sometimes entire movements and campaigns are orchestrated to prevent some disruptions from succeeding. Disruption can be divisive. This is why ethical committees are established to review the effects of certain disruptions. One could also cite campaigns against the legalisation of abortion or same-sex marriage as the acceptance of these goes against the moral fabric of traditional societies. Many have welcomed the recent ruling from the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court that the legal definition of a woman is based on a person’s sex at birth. This will have implications for the rights of transgender people.

Jesus disrupted his own Jewish culture in a radical and transformative way with his teachings, model of living, death and, of course, resurrection.

Today, this same Jesus has entered the lives of people burdened by brokenness and hopelessness and is offering radical disruption, one which includes forgiveness, healing, renewal, reformation, and restoration. He is doing a new thing (Isaiah 43:19).

Jesus’s resurrection from the grave disrupted the power of sin, death, and the grave. First Corinthians 15:55 asks, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” We have victory through the transformative work of the
Old Rugged Cross — a popular hymn authored by George Bennard.

Jesus changed everything, and He is still changing everything. In this Lenten season, He wants to disrupt your life as well.

Finally, Jesus’s resurrection is divine. It is still a mystery to many, which is why faith is essential in accepting that it actually happened. In John 11, he declared himself as “the resurrection and the life”. That is to say that the resurrection is not just a mere event as Martha — Lazarus’s sister — thought, but Jesus is the fulfilment of the resurrection.

Death was the finality of all men prior to Jesus. The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). However, Jesus conquered death through His divinity and await His people to be transformed to be more like Him when that glorious resurrection takes place one day to come. Are you looking forward?

The question is not whether there will be a resurrection, as prophesied in John 5:28-29: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out — those who have done what is good.” But will you rise in the first resurrection, which is the resurrection of the saints? Revelation 20:6 states, “Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.”

maddenoniel@yahoo.com

Oneil Madden